利用超长寿命快堆嬗变亚锕元素的特性研究

对利用超长寿命快堆（ＵＬＬＦＢＲ）嬗变高放核废物亚锕元素（ＡＭｓ）的堆芯物理特性进行了初步分析,得出了在ＵＬＬＦＢＲ中适当布置ＡＭｓ,既可以嬗变ＭＡｓ,又可改善超长寿命反应堆的物理特性这一结论。     

Anisotropic expansion in gypsum-bonded cristobalite investment mold

OBJECTIVE: To determine the response of white blood cells in endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients treated with an endoluminal procedure (AAA-E) and seven patients undergoing conventional surgery (AAA-C) were included (all males, aged 52-80 years). A panel of monoclonal antibodies against CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD18 and L-selectin was used. To determine the surface receptors on both circulating and sequestered white blood cells, plasma from the patients and cells from healthy donors were combined for flow-cytometry. RESULTS: The expression of CD11a adhesion molecules only showed slight variations regarding granulocytes, but was more pronounced on monocytes, however, without significant differences between the two patient groups, CD11b, CD11c and CD18 molecules on both granulocytes and monocytes were significantly upregulated 60 min after the endovascular procedure compared to conventional aneurysm repair, and L-selectin molecules were by this time correspondingly cleaved off. CONCLUSION: Endovascular aneurysm repair differed significantly from conventional aneurysm surgery with peak adhesion molecule expression 60 min after balloon deflation, probably caused by release of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).     

A comparative study of the emotional assessment of automotive exterior colors in Asia

This article compares color assessments of automotive exteriors at four locations in China, Thailand and Japan. This study employed painted panels of twelve colors, thirty sensory words and fifteen pairs of emotion variables. It also used reference figures of nine cars that included four styling categories, namely sedans, compacts, sport utility vehicles and sports cars. The results of like-dislike tests revealed that basic automotive exterior colors, such as black, white and red, were highly preferred across locations. However, geographical differences are apparent in the preference for some non-basic colors. To elucidate these geographical differences, a Chi-square test and principal component analysis were performed on the data on emotion variables. The results revealed both similarities and differences in color preferences among the four locations. Color preferences were similar in Hong Kong and Shanghai when simply evaluated by color samples. However, similar preferences for automotive exterior colors were observed in Hong Kong, Kyoto and Bangkok, but not in Shanghai. These results suggest that there is fluctuation in the emotion evoked by a color when the color is considered in the context of automotive exteriors. Therefore, this study indicates that automotive sales can be secured in the global marketplace by creating a single palette of exterior colors based on similar color preferences across countries. However, these results also indicate that preparing market-specific automotive-color line-ups can be an effective marketing strategy.     

Dynamic Stabilization of DNA Assembly by Using Pyrrole-Imidazole Polyamide

We used N-methylpyrrole (Py)-N-methylimidazole-(Im) polyamide as an exogenous agent to modulate the formation of DNA assemblies at specific double-stranded sequences. The concept was demonstrated on the hybridization chain reaction that forms linear DNA. Through a series of melting curve analyses, we demonstrated that the binding of Py−Im polyamide positively influenced both the HCR initiation and elongation steps. In particular, Py−Im polyamide was found to drastically stabilize the DNA duplex such that its thermal stability approached that of an equivalent hairpin structure. Also, the polyamide served as an anchor between hairpin pairs in the HCR assembly, thus improving the originally weak interstrand stability. We hope that these proof-of-concept results can inspire future use of Py−Im polyamide as a molecular tool to modulate the formation of DNA assemblies.     

Effects of Enantiomeric Blend of Verbenone on Response ofIps paraconfusus to Naturally Produced Aggregation Pheromone in the Laboratory

The aggregation pheromone produced by maleIps paraconfusus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) tunneling in Monterey pine,Pinus radiata, logs was trapped on Porapak Q. A concentration of an extract of trapped volatiles that attracted beetles was determined in the laboratory through a concentration–response analysis of walking behavior of males and females. The interruptant effects of four concentrations of verbenone on response to a constant concentration of this naturally produced aggregation pheromone were tested with males and females. Independent of its enantiomeric composition [99.5% (S)-(–), 93.1 % (S)-(–), and 98.3% (R)-(+)], verbenone significantly reduced the percentage of females (but not males) reaching the attractant source. However, when the time required for beetles of both sexes taken together to reach the attractant source was considered, verbenone of higher enantiomeric purity had a greater effect on beetle behavior. Solutions of 99.5% (S)-(–)- and 98.3% (R)-(+)-verbenone increased the time required for beetles to reach the attractive source when compared to 93.1% (S)-(–)-verbenone. When pooled across enantiomeric blends, increasing concentrations of verbenone resulted in slower responses in beetles that reached the attractant source within 2 min. Males and females did not respond to verbenone alone.     

Hydrostatic Pressure Influences HIF-2 Alpha Expression in Chondrocytes

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α is considered to play a major role in the progression of osteoarthritis. Recently, it was reported that pressure amplitude influences HIF-2α expression in murine endothelial cells. We examined whether hydrostatic pressure is involved in expression of HIF-2α in articular chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were cultured and stimulated by inflammation or hydrostatic pressure of 0, 5, 10, or 50 MPa. After stimulation, heat shock protein (HSP) 70, HIF-2α, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, MMP-3, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression were evaluated. The levels of all gene expression were increased by inflammatory stress. When chondrocytes were exposed to a hydrostatic pressure of 5 MPa, HIF-2α, MMP-13, and MMP-3 gene expression increased significantly although those of HSP70 and NF-κB were not significantly different from the control group. In contrast, HIF-2α gene expression did not increase under a hydrostatic pressure of 50 MPa although HSP70 and NF-κB expression increased significantly compared to control. We considered that hydrostatic pressure of 5 MPa could regulate HIF-2α independent of NF-κB, because the level of HIF-2α gene expression increased significantly without upregulation of NF-κB expression at 5 MPa. Hydrostatic pressure may influence cartilage degeneration, inducing MMP-13 and MMP-3 expression through HIF-2α.     

Properties of networks obtained by internal plasticization of epoxy resin with aromatic and aliphatic glycidyl compounds

In order to improve the fracture properties of p, p′-diaminodiphenylmethane-cured epoxy resin, various kinds of aromatic and aliphatic glycidyl compounds were investigated as a modifier at an amount of 30 wt %. Several compounds promoted the fracture toughness. In any glycidyl compounds, however, heat resistance was decreased by the modification. The dynamic mechanical properties of the modified epoxy resins were measured. The crosslinking density ρ was calculated from the theory of rubber elasticity, and the mechanical properties of the resins were discussed in regard to the crosslinking density. Tensile strength was scarcely affected by the crosslinking density. Elongation at break and Izod impact strength increased remarkably with decrease in crosslinking density. The fracture toughness K_Ic- increased with decrease in crosslinking density except at small ρ.     

Redox‐Active Catalyst Based on Poly(Anilinesulfonic Acid)‐ Supported Gold Nanoparticles for Aerobic Alcohol Oxidation in Water

The hybrid consisting of gold nanoparticles and poly(2‐methoxyaniline‐5‐sulfonic acid), which works as a redox mediator for transferring protons and electrons, catalyzed the oxidation reaction of various alcohols in water under molecular oxygen.     

Direct synthesis of H2O2 acid solutions on carbon cathode prepared from activated carbon and vapor-growing-carbon-fiber by a H2/O2 fuel cell

Direct synthesis of H₂O₂ acid solutions was studied using a gas-diffusion cathode prepared from activated carbon (AC), vapor-growing-carbon-fiber (VGCF) and poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (PTFE) powders, with a new H₂/O₂ fuel cell reactor. O₂ reduction to H₂O₂ was remarkably enhanced at the three-phase boundary (O₂(g)-electrode(s)-acid(l)) at the [AC + VGCF] cathode. Fast diffusion processes of O₂ to the active surface and of H₂O₂ to the bulk acid solutions were essential for H₂O₂ accumulation. Synergy of AC and VGCF was observed for the H₂O₂ formation. RRDE and cyclic voltammetry studies indicated that the surface of AC functioned as the active phase for O₂ reduction to HO₂, and VGCF functioned as an electron conductor and a promoter to convert HO₂ to H₂O₂. A maximum H₂O₂ concentration of 353 mM (1.2 wt%) was accomplished under short-circuit conditions (current density 12.7 mA cm⁻², current efficiency 40.1%, geometric area of cathode 1.3 cm², reaction time 6 h).